The present invention relates to a cluster of cans, such as a cluster of 2-6 cans.

Background of the invention It is well-known to cluster cans of beverage e.g. into six packs making it easier to carry a plurality of cans.

US4219117 discloses a multi-packaging device made from resilient plastic material and flat strip stock for producing a plurality of such devices. The strip comprises a pair of rows of bands of laterally aligned container encircling bands, each defining noncircular apertures. The plurality of bands is integrally connected by first web means joining laterally aligned pairs of bands and second web means joining longitudinally adjacent bands in a given row. The laterally innermost section of each band being generally V-shaped with an apex region and pair of legs extending from each apex with the first web means connecting laterally opposed legs of each pair of laterally aligned bands. This construction permits the strip to be stretched laterally by application of forces solely at the outer edge of the strip, so each aperture is reconfigured from a noncircular aperture to a substantially circular aperture for application about a container. The problem with such known products made of plastic, is that the products often end up in nature, and even if the products are re- cycled, it is difficult to recycle plastic.

US5443153 discloses a clip-type carrier made of paperboard especially suited for carrying beverage cans or other flanged articles. The carrier is comprised of a panel having slots in folded, wedge-shaped inner support sections and in downwardly folded outer support sections for receiving the can chimes. Reinforcing flaps connected to the outer support sections are folded against the underside of the outer support sections so that the unconnected edges of the flaps contact adjacent articles. A reinforcing strip may be employed to overlie the inner support sections of the carrier. According to this US document, it is possible to reduce costs by reducing the amount of paperboard required by design. GB936565 discloses a one-piece sheet material clip adapted to interconnect three or more cans or the like arranged about a point so that the rim of each container is adjacent or substantially tangential to the rims or two other containers. US3196589 discloses a method and apparatus for simultaneously applying a clip to the upper and lower beads of the cans so that a complete can package may be readily formed in a single operation. Description of the invention

The present invention provides a cluster of cans comprising a clustering unit, which is not made of plastic nor paperboard. Instead, the clustering unit is made of metal, preferably same or similar metal as the cans is made of. This makes it easy to recycle both cans and clustering unit as both parts may be subjected to the same recycling operation.

A first aspect relates to a cluster of cans held together by one or more clustering units in a pre-use state; said clustering unit being made of metal and comprising a plurality of contact parts provided with fastening means fixing said clustering unit to one of said cans; wherein one or more of said contact parts comprises disengagement means configured as a weakened or broken line in the metal of said clustering unit, thereby adapted to release said can fixed by said contact part from said clustering unit, wherein a main part of the clustering unit is permanently fixed to one of said cans, whereas smaller parts of the clustering unit is releasably fixed to the other cans of said cluster via said disengagement means.

In the present context, the term “can” refer to a metal can or container, such as an aluminium or steel can, for holding a liquid, such as a beverage, such as beer or soft drinks.

In one or more embodiments, the clustering unit is made of same metal as the metal cans onto which it is attached or at least of the same metal as an end piece of said metal cans onto which it is attached, preferably aluminium or steel. Preferably, the edges of the clustering unit are rounded or bent 180 degrees, preferably downwards, to prevent user contact with sharp edges. In one or more embodiments, the clustering unit is configured for clustering two or four cans, or two or four clusters of cans.

Each contact part is provided with fastening means each adapted for attaching or fixing said clustering unit to a can, preferably a cylindrical can, preferably having straight parallel sides and a circular or oval cross section.

One or more of the contact parts comprises disengagement means configured to release the can fixed by the contact part from the clustering unit. The disengagement means may preferably be configured as a weakened or broken line in the metal of the clustering unit.

In one or more embodiments, the clustering unit comprises one or more openings for finger grip or similar.

In one or more embodiments, one of the contact parts comprises displacing means allowing for the clustering unit to be moved from a first operational position where the clustering unit is fixed to one or more other cans to a second position defined by the user.

In one or more embodiments, a part of each contact part is adapted for being permanently fixed to a can.

One contact part is adapted for being permanently fixed to a can and does therefore not comprise disengagement means. The fastening means of the contact part preferably comprises an extending part, e.g. a lip, with a hole; and wherein the hole is made to fit over a pin or tap extending from the surface of the can, e.g. extending from the top face. Said contact part may comprise displacing means adapted for aiding in moving or displacing the clustering unit relative to the can.

In one or more embodiments, at least some of the fastening means, such as three out of four, comprise a folded edge and one or more lips. During operation, the folded edge of the fastening means is fitted over the edge of a can and the lips face the outward surface of the edge of the can. As the lid of a metal can is normally formed with a narrow outward flange, the lips may push toward the flange and secure the position of the clustering unit relative to the can.

A second aspect relates to a method for producing a cluster of cans, the method comprising the steps of: a) arranging a plurality of cans in two rows; b) fastening a first clustering unit according to the present invention to the top of the first and the second can in each row to provide a four-pack; and optionally c) fastening a second clustering unit according to the present invention to the top of the second and the third can in each row to provide a six-pack.

In the present context, when the term “in general” is used in respect of a feature, the feature may be employed with any embodiment of the invention, even though the specific mentioning appears in the detailed part of the description.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

Brief description of the figures

Figures 1 A, 1 B and 1 C discloses a first embodiment of a clustering unit according to the invention, where fig. 1 A shows a top view, fig. 1 B shows a side view and fig. 1 C shows an enlargement of a contact part; Figure 2 shows to neighbouring cans, which may be held together by a clustering unit according to the first embodiment;

Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D shows four cans held together by a clustering unit according to the first embodiment and how such four cans may be separated from the clustering unit. Figures 3E and 3F show how the clustering unit may be positioned after use or during drinking from the can;

Figures 4A, 4B and 4C discloses a second embodiment of a clustering unit according to the invention, where fig. 4A shows a top view, fig. 4B shows a side view and fig. 4C shows an enlargement of a contact part;

Figure 5 shows to neighbouring cans, which may be held together by a clustering unit according to the second embodiment; and

Figures 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D shows four cans held together by a clustering unit according to the second embodiment and how such four cans may be separated from the clustering unit. Figures 6E and 6F show how the clustering unit may be positioned after use or during drinking from the can.

Throughout the application identical or similar elements of different embodiments are given the same reference numbers.

Detailed embodiments of the invention Figures 1 A, 1 B and 1 C discloses a first embodiment of a clustering unit 1 according to the invention, where Figure 1 A shows a top view, Figure 1 B shows a side view, and Figure 1C shows an enlargement of a contact part 4.

In general, a clustering unit 1 according to the invention comprises contact parts 4, and each contact part 4 is provided with fastening means 3. When a clustering unit 1 is in operation, each contact part 4 is fixed to a can 2 by the fastening means 3.

Preferably each contact part 4 is fixed to an end of a can 2, preferably to the top end flange or rim. The first embodiment shown in Figures 1-3 has four contact parts 4, which are positioned symmetrically around a central opening 6 and extending radially from the center of the clustering unit 1. It is optional whether a clustering unit according to the invention comprises an opening 6, but the opening 6 may serve as a finger grip and the presence of an opening 6 saves weight and material for the clustering unit 1.

As the clustering unit 1 is made of a metal, the clustering unit 1 may have the necessary strength to be used for carrying a cluster of cans, even if the clustering unit 1 comprises one or more openings.

One purpose of the invention is to avoid use of plastic, i.e. a clustering unit 1 according to the invention is therefore not made of plastic. Instead a clustering unit 1 according to the invention is made of the same or a similar material as the can in order to make it possible to reuse the material constituting the clustering unit 1 in the same process as applied to reuse of the cans.

According to this strategy, it is considered advantageous that a clustering unit 1 according to the invention is permanently fixed to the cans of the cluster, i.e. a main part of the clustering unit 1 is permanently fixed to one can 2D (Figure 3A) of a cluster of cans 2A-D, whereas smaller parts of the clustering unit 1 is releasably fixed to the other cans 2A, 2B, 2C of said cluster. When the parts of a clustering unit 1 is permanently fixed to the cans of the cluster, it is more likely that the clustering unit 1 will be reused together with the cans of the cluster.

According to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 , three contact parts 4A, 4B, 4C have identical fastening means 3A, 3B, 3C. The identical fastening means 3A, 3B, 3C may comprise a folded edge and one or more lips 9. During operation, the folded edge of the fastening means 3 is fitted over the edge 7 of a can and the lips 9 face the outward surface of the edge 7 of the can. As the lid of a metal can is normally formed with a narrow outward flange, the lips 9 may push toward the flange and secure the position of the clustering unit 1 relative to the can. A skilled person will be able to provide alternative solutions for fastening, but it is preferred to choose a mechanical solution e.g. including lips/squeezing, welding and/or riveting or the like, and e.g. avoid glue or other substances as fastening means.

The three contact parts 4A, 4B, 4C having identical fastening means also comprises disengagement means 5. In the shown embodiment, the disengagement means 5 are constituted of a perforated line, e.g. perforated around 50% along the length of said perforation line, which makes it possible to lift the opposite end of the can up around 90 degrees, break the contact part 4 along the perforated line and thereby disengage the can from the cluster.

According to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 , one contact part 4D is adapted for being permanently fixed to a can and does therefore not comprise disengagement means. The fastening means 3D of the contact part 4D comprises an extending part, e.g. a lip, with a hole. The hole is made to fit over a pin or tap 8 extending from the surface of the lid of the can. This contact part 4D does not comprise disengagement means, instead the contact part 4D may comprise displacing means 10 for moving or displacing the clustering unit 1 relative to the can 2.

The displacing means 10 may comprise the hole in the contact part 4D of the clustering unit 1 in combination with the tap 8, which hole is large enough relative to the tap 8 to allow movement by turning of the contact part 4D relative to the can.

The clustering unit 1 may then be moved e.g. turned or twisted from a first operational position where the clustering unit 1 is or has been locked to one or more other cans to a second non-operational position defined by the user.

Figure 2 illustrates to neighbouring cans 2A, 2D of a cluster which may be held together by a clustering unit 1 according to the first embodiment. The cans 2A, 2D comprises upright essentially parallel sides having an upper edge 7 provided with a narrow outward flange. Also, one of the cans 2D is provided with a pin or tap 8 extending from the upper or outer surface of the lid.

Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D show four cans 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D held together by a clustering unit 1 according to the first embodiment and illustrates how such four cans may be separated from each other and from the clustering unit 1 .

Figures 3A shows the cluster of four cans 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D held together in a cluster by the clustering unit 1 . Figure 3B shows the cluster after a first can 2A has been removed. Disengagement of the can 2A may be accomplished by lifting the lower part of the can 2A upwards thereby breaking the contact part 4 of the clustering part along the broken line 5. A smaller part of the contact part 4 of the clustering unit 1 is removed together with the can 2A while the remaining part of the clustering unit, the main part, is still attached to the three remaining cans 2B, 2C and 2D. Figure 3C shows the cluster after the first and a second can 2A and 2B have been removed and Figure 3D shows the remaining last can 2D of the cluster after the first can 2A, the second can 2B and a third can 2C have been removed, which can 2D still has the main part of the clustering unit 1 attached.

Figures 3E and 3F show how the remaining part of the clustering unit 1 may be positioned after use or during drinking from the can. Fig. 3E shows how the clustering unit 1 may be first lifted 60-80 degrees in order to free the folding of the fastening means 3D from the edge 7 of the can 2D, then the clustering unit 1 may be turned or twisted approximately 180 degrees until the clustering unit 1 is positioned above the lid and within the edges 7 of the can 2D, and at last the clustering unit 1 may be pushed 60-80 degrees down towards the lid of the can. This final position is shown in Figure 3F. In the final position, the edges 7 of the can may prevent contact with sharp edges of the clustering unit 1 , and it may be possible to drink from the can 2D when the clustering unit 1 is placed in this position as the beverage may pass out through an opening in the lid corresponding to the opening 6 of the clustering unit 1.

Figures 4A, 4B and 4C discloses a second embodiment of a clustering unit 1 according to the invention, Figure 4A shows a top view, Figure 4B shows a side view, and Figure 4C shows an enlargement of a contact part 4. The second embodiment, like the first embodiment, comprises three identical contact parts 4A, 4B, 4C comprising identical fastening parts 3A, 3B and 3C. According to the second embodiment, the fastening means of the fourth non-identical contact part 4D is identical to the fastening means 3A, 3B, 3C disclosed in Figures 1 A-1C and in figs. 4A-4C.

According to the second embodiment shown in Figure 4, the contact part 4D is permanently fixed to a can 2D and does therefore not comprise disengagement means. The fastening means 3D of the contact part 4D comprises displacing means 10 for moving or displacing the clustering unit 1 relative to the can 2. The displacing means 10 has the form of a perforated or weakened line, e.g. perforated 20% along the length of said line. The clustering unit 1 may be moved e.g. lifted and turned approximately 180 degrees around the perforated line 10.

Figure 5 illustrates to neighbouring cans 2A, 2D of a cluster, which may be held together by a clustering unit 1 according to the first embodiment. The cans 2A, 2D comprises comprise an upright edge 7 having a narrow flange.

Figures 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D show four cans 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D held together by a clustering unit 1 according to the second embodiment and illustrates how such four cans may be separated from each other and from the clustering unit 1 .

Figures 3A shows the cluster of four cans 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D held together in a cluster by the clustering unit 1 . Figure 6B shows the cluster after a first can 2A has been removed. Disengagement of the can 2A may be accomplished by lifting the lower part of the can 2A upwards thereby breaking the contact part 4 of the clustering part along the broken line 5. A smaller part of the contact part 4 of the clustering unit 1 is removed together with the can 2A while the remaining part of the clustering unit, the main part, is still attached to the three remaining cans 2B, 2C and 2D. Figure 6C shows the cluster after the first and a second can 2A and 2B have been removed and Figure 6D shows the remaining last can 2D of the cluster after the first can 2A, the second can 2B and a third can 2C have been removed, which can 2D still has the main part of the clustering unit 1 attached.

Figures 6E and 6F show how the remaining part of the clustering unit 1 may be positioned after use or during drinking from the can. Figure 6E shows how the clustering unit 1 may be first lifted 90 degrees without losing grip around the edge 7 of the can 2D. Then the clustering unit 1 may be turned further 90 degrees until the clustering unit 1 is positioned on top of the lid of the can 2D. This final position is shown in Figure 6F. In the final position, the edges 7 of the can may prevent contact with sharp edges of the clustering unit 1 , and it may be possible to drink from the can 2D when the clustering unit 1 is placed in this position as the beverage may pass out through an opening in the lid corresponding to the opening 6 of the clustering unit 1 . References

1 Clustering unit

2 Can 3 Fastening means

4 Contact parts

5 Disengagement means

6 Opening

7 Edge of side wall of can 8 Pin/tap for fastening clustering unit

9 Lip

10 Displacing means